Retractable stabilizer for watercraft

ABSTRACT

A user floatation system for boating safety. There is included in the system a boat, having a seat for a user, and a rear and forward section located behind and in front of the user respectively. There is also a flotation system, including float device, designed to be placed in the water on at least one side of the boat; and frame system, coupled to the boat at one end and to the float device at an opposite end, designed to hold the float device in a 1) deployed position where the float device is held in the water when a user is in the seat, and 2) partially deployed position where the float device is held a distance above the water level when a user is in the seat sufficient to enable the user to tip the boat a certain angle from a level position but to assist in preventing the boat from tipping completely over.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Copyright Reservation Notice

A PORTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE AND ORA WINGS OF THIS PATENTDOCUMENT AND APPENDICES CONTAIN MATERIAL THAT IS SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHTPROTECTION. THE COPYRIGHT OWNER HAS NO OBJECTION TO THE FACSIMILEREPRODUCTION BY• ANYONE OF THIS PATENT DOCUMENT OR THE PATENTDISCLOSURE, AS IT APPEARS IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE PATENTFILES OR RECORDS, BUT OTHERWISE RESERVES ALL COPYRIGHTS WHATSOEVER.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims of priority under 35 U.S.C. §121, as acontinuation of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/156,279,which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120, to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/393,168, the disclosures of which are incorporatedentirely herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to small boats and more particularly tooutrigger stabilizers for a kayak or canoe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Canoes and the covered version known as kayaks have been known forhundreds of years. The first canoes were made from wood and animal skinsKayaks were great for hunting in cold arctic waters. They were highlymaneuverable and allowed their users to catch seals and walruses.Eventually, seal bladders were added to make them nearly unsinkable andhunting expeditions could last much longer if the kayak were fullyprovisioned.

Unfortunately, the very maneuverability of the kayak was also a weaknessdue to its instability. In the related art, it is well known that canoesor kayaks and other small watercraft are easily upset by sudden movementof an occupant or rough water in which waves hit against the boat sideand can potentially tilt it over in an upsetting fashion. To counter theinstability, it is known to attach outriggers as was common in Hawaii.While this improves stability, it greatly reduces the maneuverability sohighly prized among kayak operators.

There is a need for a kayak type boat that maintains maneuverability yetis stable. Additionally, it is known that it requires many hours ofpractice to become an experienced boatman in a canoe or kayak.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Examples of related art similar to the present invention are describedbelow, and the supported teachings of each reference are incorporated byreference herein:

U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0069808: KAYAK OR CANOE OUTRIGGERSTABILIZER, published Jun. 13, 2002 to HESSE, KENT D, discloses a smallboat stabilizer is formed by a pair of elongated tubular buoys securedin laterally spaced parallel relation to respective end portions of theboat by spars extending transversely of respective ends of the boat andsecured thereto by adapters.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0068436: WATERCRAFT STABILIZER,published Mar. 29, 2007 to PAGE, discloses a watercraft stabilizerassembly includes a frame comprising a plurality of frame membersconnected together and a plurality of floats received on the frame. Atleast one clamp secures the frame to a watercraft. The clamp comprisesclamp members that are securable together such that the frame and aportion of the watercraft are held together between the clamp members.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0102063: ACCESSORY PLATFORM ASSEMBLYFOR A KAYAK, published May 18, 2006 to BOELRYK, discloses an accessoryplatform assembly for attachment to kayak. The assembly comprisesattachment means for attaching the assembly to the deck of a kayak, aframe attached to the attachment means, the frame holding a platform andallowing the platform to be moved from a closed position to an openposition whereby in the open position the deck of the kayak lying belowthe platform in the closed position is exposed. The assembly optionallyincludes an outrigger assembly comprising parallel arms attached at oneend to the attachment means and having an outrigger floatation deviceattached to an opposite end of the arms spaced away from the kayak toprovide increased stability to the kayak.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages.There does not exist a device or system that is retractably designed tofirst retain a user in an upright position to different levels oftipping, and to second be retractably stored in non-deployable position.The present invention, outlined with the accompanying figures, providesa device and apparatus that allows a kayak user to set different levelsof tip ability during operation and to have a storing refractedposition.

What is needed is a retractable stabilization system for kayaks thatsolves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or moreproblems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art uponbecoming familiar with the following specification and drawings aboutthe illustrated embodiment(s).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable stabilizers. Accordingly, the present invention is aretractable stabilizer for watercraft. It comprises a frame that issecured to a kayak, canoe or other watercraft. The frame rotatablysupports a rotating support rod that has a stabilizer attached to it.The stabilizer is rotated into a stabilizing position that greatlyincreases the stability of the kayak. The stabilizer can also beretracted to enable normal operation of the kayak. In one embodiment, aforward and rear stabilizer is utilized to provide greater stability forlonger kayaks including two person embodiments. The present inventionwas developed to provide stability for a kayak, canoe or otherwatercraft, specifically to help a novice operator learn how to maneuverthe vessel in a multiplicity of water conditions or circumstances bymaking the vessel less likely to tilt or capsize.

In another embodiment there is a user floatation system for boatingsafety. There is included in the system a boat, having a seat for auser, and a rear and forward section located behind and in front of theuser respectively. There is also a flotation system, including floatdevice, designed to be placed in the water on at least one side of theboat; and frame system, coupled to the boat at one end and to the floatdevice at an opposite end, designed to hold the float device in a 1)deployed position where the float device is held in the water when auser is in the seat, and 2) partially deployed position where the floatdevice is held a distance above the water level when a user is in theseat sufficient to enable the user to tip the boat a certain angle froma level position but to assist in preventing the boat from tippingcompletely over.

Yet, a further embodiment includes a user floatation system wherein theframe system has a stored position where the float device is held abovethe water a sufficient distance to allow the boat to tip completelyover.

Additionally, another feature embodiment is where the frame systemincludes an extension portion, coupled between the boat and the floatdevice, designed to enable a user to position the float device in aclose and distant position relative to the user while in the seat; andan extension portion locking device, designed to releasably lock theextension portion in both the close and distant position while the useris in the seat.

Moreover, an additional embodiment is where the user floatation systemis designed so that the boat is a kayak.

Additionally, the user floatation system embodiment may include theframe system to include a float device rotational coupling device,coupled between the frame system and the float device, designed torotationally coupled the float device to the frame system, and to enablethe float device to rotate about a longitudinal axis that is independentto the rotation of the boat along a boat longitudinal axis.

An additional embodiment may include a feature where the stored positionof the frame system enables the float device to be held on top of therear portion of the boat.

Other features may be where the stored position of the frame systemenables the float device to be held in a position located on top of theforward portion of the boat.

Other features and advantages of the instant invention will becomeapparent from the following description of the invention which refers tothe accompanying drawings.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention can be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, amore particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is noted that the drawings ofthe invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematicsrepresentations, not intended to portray specific parameters of theinvention. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered tobe limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a kayak equipped with a retractable stabilizeraccording to an embodiment of the presently illustrated invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the kayak with a retractable stabilizerillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the kayak with retractable stabilizer having onestabilizer in an engaged position.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the kayak with retractable stabilizer havingboth stabilizers in an engaged position.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a double kayak with duel retractable stabilizersshown in an engaged deployed position.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the kayak with the retractable stabilizers,having both stabilizers locked in a horizontal position.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the kayak with the retractable stabilizers,having both stabilizers locked in a slightly lower horizontal position.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the kayak with the retractable stabilizers,having both stabilizers locked in a lower position, wherein stabilizersare in contact with the water.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the kayak with the retractable stabilizers,having both stabilizers in the top folded or stored position.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the kayak with the retractable stabilizers inthe horizontal position.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the stabilizer position locking mechanism, andthe stabilizer extension device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodimentsillustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations andfurther modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andany additional applications of the principles of the invention asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example”or similar language means that a particular feature, structure,characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presentinvention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an“example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, butdo not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to differentembodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, referenceto the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or morefeatures, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarilyrelated, dissimilar, the same, etc.

Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be consideredindependent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use ofsimilar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore,where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” theidentified embodiment is independent of any other embodimentscharacterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features,functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to becombined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or artmay direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements ormethod steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the morerestrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

As used herein, “and,” and grammatical equivalents thereof is intendedto be inclusive or open-ended that does not mean that all of theelements in the list must be included. Specifically, the term “and” canbe viewed as an equivalent of the commonly used phrase “and/or”, whichis intended to create an unrestricted list of elements that may or maynot require all of the elements to be included therein.

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference ismade to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements,and which are intended to show by way of illustration specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understoodthat other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes maybe made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

It is noted that reference is made to the particular wording of a“stabilizer” throughout the specification. This wording refers to apontoon-like floatation device that is buoyant in water.

It is noted, because the rotatable stabilizer system is symmetric, onlyone side will be described in detail, and it is understood that thereare at least two stabilizers that are identically designed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Referring now to the FIGS. 1 through 4, there is one embodiment of theillustrated embodiment that includes a rotatable stabilizer 110 that isshown attached to a kayak 105 with a stabilizer frame 130. Thestabilizer frame 130 may be mounted to attachment blocks 140, which areattached to the kayak 105 using bolts or other suitable mounting systemssuch as rivets or screws. There is a stabilizer frame 130 that may havea pivot sleeve 120 attached to rotatably hold a rotating supportassembly 117 (illustrated as a rod therein). Rotating support assembly117 has a sliding support arm sleeve 135 attached to an end, to slidablysupport a sliding support arm 115. A stabilizer 110 is attached to thedistal end of rotating support assembly 117 to rotate in place asneeded.

Starting, in one embodiment, with the stabilizers 110 in a folded orstored position located on top of the kayak, a user may rotates thestabilizers 110 outward so

that the stabilizer 110 is positioned over the edge of the kayak 105.Next, the sliding support arm 115 may be moved back towards the kayak 105. In this configuration, as the stabilizer 110 is pushed upward bywater pressure, sliding support arm 115 prevents it from rotating, thusstabilizing the kayak I 05.

To retract the stabilizers 110, in one embodiment, the process isreversed. The sliding support arms 115 are moved outward and then thestabilizers 110 are rotated to a refracted position. The length of thesliding support arm 117 may be varied to match a selected kayak orcanoe. Additionally, a tie down such as hook and loop tie-down may beused (not shown) to secure the stabilizer 110 from moving whiletransporting the kayak 105.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a two person kayak 145 is shown having a rearstabilizer and a forward stabilizer attached. Operation is the same asdiscussed above. A person in the rear operates the rear stabilizer andthe front person operates the front.

Optionally, it is possible to place one stabilizing unit in the front ofa kayak (not shown) instead of in the rear as shown. Another option notshown is a single rotating support rod that connects the rear and frontstabilizers so an appropriately equipped one person kayak may have afront and rear stabilizer that is operable by one person.

The stabilizer may be made of most any known material, like plastic,carbon fiber of other appropriate material. The frame may also beconstructed of most any known material, like aluminum or otherappropriate material such as PVC pipe.

Although the present invention has been described in relation toparticular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modificationsand other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

In another embodiment of the invention, starting with the stabilizers110 in a folded or top position, a user rotates the stabilizers 110outward so that the stabilizer 110 is positioned over the edge of thekayak 105. Next, the stabilizers are locked into their extended supportposition over the edge of the kayak 105, as detailed in the FIGS. 6through 11. In this embodiment, it is intended that the positioning andlocking of the stabilizer is done prior to launching the vessel in thewater. Because the rotatable stabilizer 110 is symmetric, again, onlyone side will be described in detail with the understanding that thereare at least two stabilizers, one stabilizer per side of the vessel.

FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate one embodiment where there are threedifferent locked positions where the stabilizer 110 is position outsideof the kayak 105. It would be understood by one skilled in the art thatalthough the figures describe three extended stabilizer positions, andone retracted stabilizer position, where the stabilizer is in its foldedor top position as shown in FIG. 9, these four positions that aredescribed are only representative of one or several stabilizerpositions.

In FIG. 6, there is one embodiment that illustrates that the stabilizer110 may be rotated from the top position, as shown in FIG. 9, through anangle of approximately 180 degrees, indicated by the dotted arrow 170,to an essentially horizontal locked position.

In FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the stabilizer 110 is rotated from the topposition through an angle of approximately 195 degrees, as indicated bythe dotted arrow 172, to a lower than horizontal locked position.

In FIG. 8, the stabilizer 110, in one embodiment, is rotated from thetop position through an angle of approximately 120 degrees, as indicatedby the dotted arrow 174, to a much lower than horizontal lockedposition. The precise angle of rotation, of the stabilizer, from the topposition into the extended positions is not critical. These figuresmerely illustrate that the stabilizers can be rotated from a topposition and subsequently locked in a number of different rotatableextended positions.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the kayak 105, which is resting in the water150, in one embodiment. The frame 130 is mounted to the top shroud ofthe kayak 105. In this figure, the stabilizers 110 have been rotatedfrom their fully extended or deployed position, through an angle shownby the dashed arrow element 176, to their top position 155.

FIG. 10, is a top view of the kayak 105, in one embodiment. The front ofthe kayak is indicated by the directional arrow 192 and the rear of thekayak is indicated by the element 190. This figure provides detail as tothe positioning of the frame 130 on the kayak 105. The frame 130 isconfigured such that it can be attached to the kayak and theconstruction therein does not interfere with the seat 182, or thestorage compartment 180.

Also shown in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, there is illustrated thestabilizer 110, which is positioned in a horizontal extended position,as characterized in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 10, the stabilizer 110 isridgedly attached to the mounting brackets 111 using bolts or othersuitable mounting devices such as rivets or screws 109. At least twomounting brackets 111 are mounted to each stabilizer, in one embodiment.Optionally, the mounting brackets 111 could be integral with thestabilizer 110 or adhesively attached or welded to the stabilizer 110.The mounting brackets 111 are pivotably connected to the stabilizersupport arm 215 by means of a connector pin 154. This pivotableconnection allows the stabilizer II 0 to pivot about the connector pin154. The pivoting motion of the stabilizer 110 enables the stabilizer toremain parallel to the surface of the water 150.

FIG. 11 provides details for one embodiment of the stabilizer extensiondevice. The stabilizer 110 is connected to the stabilizer support arm215 (connection not shown in FIG. 11). In this embodiment the stabilizersupport arm 215 is a tubular structure which is slidably connected tothe arm base 214. The arm base 214 can slide into the stabilizer supportarm 215 as indicated by the arrow 212. This sliding motion 212 allowsone to increase or decrease the distance the between the stabilizer 110,and the side of the kayak 105. As the distance 216 is increased, thestability of the kayak may also increases.

A series of extension adjustment holes 208 are located on the end of thestabilizer support arm 215. In this embodiment of the invention, adetent style fastener is fixedly attached to the end of the arm base214. The relative position of the stabilizer support arm 215 and the armbase 214 becomes locked when the detent fastener 21 0 synchronizes withan extension adjustment hole 208. The distance 216 can be adjusted bydepressing the detent fastener 210 and sliding 212 the stabilizersupport arm 215 to a new position and allowing the detent fastener tosynchronize and lock with another extension adjustment hole 208. In thisembodiment a detent fastener is used to lock the stabilizer support arm215 and the arm base 214; however, it is anticipated that any number offastening devices or suitable locking means, including but not limitedto bolts, rivets, pins, screws, collets, clamps and clips, could be usedto securely lock the stabilizer support arm to the arm base.

The arm base 214 is rigidly attached to the rotating support 117, suchthat a change in the height of the stabilizer creates an angularmovement of the arm base 214, which in turn rotates the rotating support117.

Also illustrated in FIG. 11 is the stabilizer position lockingmechanism. In this embodiment of the invention, the rotating support 117is sleeved by the non-rotating stabilizer frame 130. This sleeve allowsthe rotating support 117 to independently rotate within the stabilizerframe 130. The stabilizer frame 130 is rigidly mounted to attachmentblocks 140 which are rigidly attached to the kayak 105 using bolts orother suitable mounting devices such as rivets or screws. The stabilizerframe 130, in one embodiment may be made of a tubular construction.

The stabilizer position locking mechanism is provided by a locking framemember 131. The locking frame member 131 may be tubular in construction,and would be rigidly attached to the kayak 105 using, for example, boltsor other suitable devices for securing it to the kayak 105. The distalend of the locking frame member 131, which sleeves and supports the•rotating support 117 may have a series of frame positioning holes 197,198 and 202. Corresponding positioning holes 196, 199, 203 are locatedin the rotating support 117. FIG. 11 shows a frame positioning hole 197in alignment with a matching positioning hole 196. In this position, thestabilizer 110 is in the essentially horizontal position, as illustratedin FIG. 6.

If the stabilizer 110 is lowered, which in turn rotates the rotatingsupport 117, it brings the frame positioning hole 198 in alignment withthe matching positioning hole 199. In this arrangement, the stabilizer110 is in the lower than horizontal position, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

If the stabilizer 110, on the other hand, is lowered to an alternativearrangement, shown in FIG. 8, the frame positioning hole 202 would be inalignment with the matching positioning hole 203.

In this embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism isillustrated as a bolt 204, which is placed in the two matching holes. InFIG. 11, the bolt 204 would be inserted in and securely fastened to thecorresponding holes 197 and 196 by means of screwing or bolting in placewith a nut. Because the locking frame member 131 is rigidly attached tothe kayak 105, the rotating support 117 is restricted from any rotation,until such time that the bolt 204 is removed.

It is noted, the stabilizer extension device is used to position thestabilizer 110 further away or closer to the side of the kayak 105 orvessel. However, in another embodiment, the illustrated stabilizerextension device could be substituted with a scissor type extensionsystem as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,350,065, SCISSOR-TYPE LINEARACTUATOR WITH HIGH EXTENSION RATIO AND SELECTABLE EXTENSION RATE ANDPOWER REQUIREMENT, by Harry S. Mankey, issued Oct. 31, 1967. Using ascissor-type extension system would allow the distance 216 between thekayak and the stabilizer to be more dramatically increased than theillustrated embodiment. This means of extension would not be limited tothe combined lengths of the arm base 214 and the stabilizer support arm215 previously described.

METHOD AND OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the purpose of the stabilizer assembly is threefold:(1) Provide a stabilizer assembly that can be easily installed/removedon a kayak, canoe or watercraft; (2) Provide adjustable levels ofstabilization for a kayak, canoe or other type of watercraft, where thedegree of stabilization can be adjusted for the situation and conditionof the water; (3) Provide a training help or aid for an operator,learning to maneuver a kayak. This invention would assist the operatormuch like training wheels help a child learn how to ride a bike.

In another embodiment, when the vessel is being transported, thestabilizers would most likely be rotated to the top position as shown inFIG. 9. When a person is learning how to operate a kayak, the highestlevel of stability is desirable. Thus, the person would extend thestabilizer to the maximum length and then adjust the stabilizers to the“much lower than horizontal” position, as shown in FIG. 8. The angle oftilt for the craft is essentially limited zero “0” degrees as shown byelement 157.

As the operator becomes more familiar with the craft and more adept atoperating it in turbulent waters, the stabilizers could be retracted andelevated, as shown in FIG. 7. Thus the angle of tilt for the craft isincreased, as shown in element 156. This greater tilt gives the operatora more realistic feel for the craft and for the general operatingconditions.

As the skill of the operator becomes greater, the stabilizers can befurther retracted and elevated, such as a maximum essentially horizontalposition, which is illustrated in FIG. 6. Here the angle of tilt for thecraft is increased even more, as shown in element 155. In this position,the operator gets a true or almost realistic feel of the craft; however,in this position, the craft would tilt but it would resist capsizing.

Once the operator become adept in all phases of the craft, thestabilizer assembly could be easily removed, much like removing trainingwheels from a bike.

There are many advantages that are realized by the retractablestabilizer system of the illustrated embodiments of the invention thatare not taught by the known prior art. One skilled in the art willrealize the benefits that are afforded the novice or beginning kayaker,or for fisherman that wants to stand in the kayak while fishing.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are onlyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiment is to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, although the reference has been made to kayaks throughoutthe specification, one skilled in the art will realize after reading thespecification in light of the illustrated embodiment, there are otheruses for the illustrated embodiments of the invention. Specifically, thesame device would be adaptable to other vessels, like canoes, row boats,wave runners, ski boats, fishing boats, etc.

It is further noted that the structural elements of the illustratedembodiments may be made of most any material. For example, the materialof the frame may be made of aluminum, fiber glass, plastics, ceramics,wood, etc. Additionally, the material for the stabilizers may be madehollow or solid, made of foam, wood, aluminum, plastic, fiber glass,etc.

Although the frame of the illustrated embodiment is illustrated to havea certain number of parts and shapes, any number of parts and shapes isconsidered to be within the scope of the presently illustratedembodiments. For example, sheets of material could be used instead oftubes. Any number of tubes could be used for increased supports.

Moreover, although the floats are illustrated to store above the surfacelevel of the kayak, one skilled in the art could easily modify theillustrated embodiment. For example, the floats could be positionedbelow the top surface of the kayak by having recessed cavities builtwithin the top of the kayak.

Another modification to the illustrated embodiment includes forming theentire structure integral with the kayak. For example, key features ofthe frame could be molded into the kayak. Wherein, the parts located ontop of the. kayak could be molded into the walls or be internallyportioned inside the kayak. The tubes or sheets of material could alsobe more conformal to the kayak or boat.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above withparticularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed tobe the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size,materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly anduse may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts ofthe invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplatedthat an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consistessentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures,methods described herein.

1. A kayak for enabling a user to float in water, including: a seat witha first horizontal orientation for a user to sit thereon; a hull,located below, behind and in front of the seat respectively, the hullhaving a top surface; and a float system, coupled to the hull of thekayak, designed to stabilize the kayak during use, having: a float, witha top side, and a bottom side that is opposite to and attached to thetop side; and a frame system, pivotally coupled to the hull at one endthereof, and pivotally coupled to the float on an opposite end thereof,and having: a stored position to maintain the float on top of the topsurface of the hull; and a deployed position to maintain the float adistance away from the hull so that the hull and float aresimultaneously in contact with water when in use.
 2. The kayak of claim1, wherein the float is rotatively coupled to the frame system to enablethe float to pivot relative to a longitudinal axis of the float, androtate independent of any orientation of the hull.